Will lifting weights make me "bulky"?

Men are known for being strong, right. Men are known for having muscles and lately, women are right there next to them lifting heavy. There has been a huge stereotype for women that if we lift more than 5lbs we will get big and bulky so for years we did not. Us women also have an invisible strength. We wake up early, we get the kids ready, we make breakfast, we send them off to school or homeschool, we do all the meals, homework, clean, bath time, storytime, put them to bed, and then finally relax when everyone is sleeping. We have a strength that nobody even talks about. We have an invisible strength. We are emotionally strong and now it has become acceptable for us to show our muscles on the outside as well as the inside and I just love that! 

So let's talk muscles! 

Do you find yourself wondering about what style of workouts is the most beneficial for weight loss and changing your physique? You want to lift weights but you are also scared that lifting will make you "bulky" so you go back to being a little cardio bunny. If so, you are not alone. I hear lots of women say they "don't want to get bulky". I used to be one of them, 7 years ago. I only did dance cardio and pilates type workouts. Tracy Anderson to be exact. Now that I have more knowledge I incorporate heavy lifting into my daily routine. Why? Because lifting weights burns fat. Lifting makes you strong. Lifting gives you confidence. And to get super muscular is harder than you think and very precise. Just look at bodybuilders, they do not build their body on accident. They do not get accidentally "muscular" it takes time, literally years for muscle to build with the right diet on top of it. I used to say diet is 80 percent of what you are doing, I am convinced now that it is 90 percent. You will only get bulky if you are eating in a caloric surplus and that "bulk" is fat on top of the muscle, not the muscle itself. 

Muscle plays a role in raising metabolism which can help you to change your body composition and burn more fat. A pound of muscle burns about 10-20 calories per day while a pound of fat burns only 5 calories. So, muscle growth helps you burn more calories all day long.

I still think you should do cardio but there should be a balance between the two. Do 20-30 minutes of cardio or HIIT, followed by a lifting session. Or do your weights then go for a long nice walk. There are many different options you can do to get the best results depending on your goal. 

Remember, lifestyle changes take time. Celebrate your efforts and take time to thank your strong and healthy body.